Sabres News

MILLER IS "PROUD OF BEING A SABRE"

by
Kevin Snow
/ Buffalo Sabres

Ryan Miller hasn’t played in a game since being run over by Boston’s Milan Lucic on November 12. Today was his first full practice since suffering a head/neck injury on the play, but his biggest save of the day came afterwards in the locker room.

While meeting with the assembled media, Miller categorically denied a rumor that he’s spoken with Sabres management about exploring possible trade opportunities. The report originated in the Edmonton Journal last Sunday, and has taken on a life of its own since.

Miller refuted the rumors and reiterated his desire to remain in Buffalo.

“I’ve never in my time here talked to Lindy, Darcy or ownership about a trade. And they’ve never come to me asking for any options … I have a long history here. I feel like I’ve grown up here. This is where I want to win. There’s no better place to win.

“I’m proud of being a Sabre, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish moving forward and I want to be a part of it. There’s no reason for me to want to leave this situation. We have great new ownership who’s excited to put a winner on the ice, and I want to be a part of it. For me to want to change that situation and get out … the grass doesn’t get much greener than it is here.”

He also realizes that rumors are part of the business, and are something he’ll have to deal with.

“For me, it’s something where you just laugh about. It’s just something where somebody needs web hits or something on their site, or wants to be the person that if a trade happens two years from now can say they broke the story because they threw spaghetti at the wall to see if it would stick. That’s what it comes down to for me.”

Miller is one of several players that continue to make progress with their respective injuries. He wouldn’t give a specific timeline for his return, but Lindy Ruff didn’t rule him out for the possibility of seeing action this weekend against Detroit (Friday) or Nashville (Saturday).

Jordan Leopold sustained an upper body injury in the first period of last night’s loss to the Islanders, and he won’t be available for both weekend games … Tyler Ennis (ankle) skated on a line with Luke Adam and Zack Kassian today, and Ruff said there’s a good chance he’ll play on Friday … Patrick Kaleta (groin) is getting close, but was kept off the ice today for precautionary reasons. He is in the “likely” category for the weekend … Cody McCormick (upper body) practiced in a non-contact role today, and is definitely out for the weekend.